Zenit defeated Astana at home – 86:63 (17:19, 28:15, 21:14, 20:15).
Game progress
Three-pointers by Sergey Karasev and Dwayne Bacon allowed Zenit to take the lead in the opening quarter. But the St. Petersburg team failed to increase the score difference. The guests did well in defense, took chances in offense and at one point took the lead. At the end of the first quarter, after Astana had a 5-point lead – 19:14.
The hosts get the initiative at the start of the second quarter. Alexey Shved made 8-point run, after which the St. Petersburg team was able to gain a comfortable lead – 28:21. The guests tried to keep the opponent at distance, but international players allowed Zenit to further consolidate the lead. The hosts got a double-digit lead by hafltime – 45:34.
Key moment
At the start of the third quarter, Daniel Utomi allowed Astana to cut the score difference to 7 points – 40:47. But the guests didn’t have enough energy for more. The St. Petersburg team with Bacon retook control of the game and regained a comfortable lead. After Trent Frazier free throws at the start of the final quarter, Zenit lead reached 20 points.
X-factor
Zenit proved to be one of the best shooting teams in the League once again. The hosts made 10 of 23 three-pointers (43.5%).
Facts
Zenit has the longest active winning streak, it has already reached 9 games.
Andrey Vorontsevich played his 400th game in the VTB League. He became the third player after Nikita Kurbanov and Viacheslav Zaitsev to reach this milestone.
T.J. Starks recovered from injury and played his 4th game this season. Astana guard appeared for the first time since September 29.
Leaders
Zenit: Dwayne Bacon (17 + 6 rebounds), Trent Frazier (14 + 5 assists), Alexey Shved (11 + 8 assists), Sergey Karasev (11), Vince Hunter (10 + 7 rebounds).
Astana: Galin Smith (12), Grigory Motovilov (12), Andrey Desyatnikov (10 + 8 rebounds).
What’s next
Zenit: March 5 at home against Samara
Astana: March 4 at home versus Pari Nizhny Novgorod.
